Meet a member: Alan H. Turner II
The Sioux Empire United Way is entering its new campaign season with a new leader at the helm of the organization. Alan H. Turner II became President and CEO last spring.
Through his 25-year career in non-profit leadership, Turner served as president and CEO for three other United Ways: United Way of Central Florida, in Lakeland, Florida; United Way of Southwest Alabama, in Mobile, Alabama; and United Way of West Tennessee, in Jackson, Tennessee. Other organizations he has served include St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, American Red Cross, the Association of New York State Youth Bureaus, the New York State Assembly and the Boy Scouts of America.
A native of upstate New York, Turner was raised a proud Army brat, moving across the county several times while growing up. He earned a B.S from Daemen College, his M.B.A. at Union University, and has completed Executive Education Programs at Harvard Business School, Harvard Kennedy School and Kellogg School of Management. Alan was Honorably Discharged from the U.S. Army Reserves. Alan and his wife, Stephanie, have two children, Andrew and Sara.
1. What drew you to career in non-profit leadership?
Growing up my father taught me to find ways to help those in need. We would volunteer and help the different nonprofits in the various communities I grew up in. It just seemed like a natural fit.
2. What attracted you to the job with SEUW?
My wife and I were looking for a community and an organization where we could see planting roots for our family. The Sioux Falls area offers our family that opportunity. The SEUW has a strong history in the community of helping those most in need and I hope I can continue that tradition.
2. What attracted you to the job with SEUW?
My wife and I were looking for a community and an organization where we could see planting roots for our family. The Sioux Falls area offers our family that opportunity. The SEUW has a strong history in the community of helping those most in need and I hope I can continue that tradition.
3. You’ve lived mainly on the east coast. What are your first impressions of Sioux Falls and/or the Midwest in general?
I love Sioux Falls and all of the Sioux Empire. The people have been so welcoming and have embraced us to the area. We love the culture and the climate. My family and I are looking forward to exploring more around the area and the state.
4. What are your goals for your first year as leader of SEUW?
To listen and learn more. To learn from our nonprofit partners, our volunteers, our donors and our corporate partners. I have already learned this is a very giving community and one that wants to help those in need. I would like to find ways United Way can be a stronger partner throughout the community and build on our current relationships while forming new ones. I want to sharing our mission and message with those who may not know what United Way does.
5. What is something we might not know about you?
I am a big Captain America fan. I enjoy getting to relive some of my childhood by collecting comic books with my son. The movies are fun but going through comics I once read as a kid and now collecting with my son is pretty cool.
